Coronavirus leaves void at Chowrasta

The most famous square in Darjeeling wore a new look on Tuesday morning after the administration decided to remove all benches.

Chowrasta
without benches was unthinkable even a few months ago though
politicians had on and off disturbed the unique ambience of the
promenade by erecting ugly structures much to the chagrin of local
people.

However, the unthinkable became a reality on Tuesday morning and none is complaining.

“This is a temporary measure. The administration informed us
that people would crowd (by sitting on the benches) the Mall right from
the morning and at times, violate social distancing norms. It was
difficult to man the place all through the day,” said C.P. Subba,
secretary, Darjeeling municipality.

Around 30 concrete and wooden benches were removed from Chowrasta on Monday evening.

It
would be hard to find any traveller to Darjeeling who has not sat on
these benches to enjoy the sights and sounds of this hill town.

For the locals, sitting on the benches is part of life’s routine.

The
sentiment attached to the benches was captured in a Nepali song
“Chowrasta ko benchi haru (Benches of Chowrasta)” which was written and
composed by Prasanna Singh and sung by Sanjay Mangrati some years ago.

“It
might have been a first but it was the need of the hour as social
gathering has to be discouraged at all cost,” said a morning walker who
did not wish to be named.

In another first, Sangay Tshering and
another hotelier here have offered rooms for free to the Darjeeling
district administration to house inbound travellers until their swab
reports arrive.

“This is my contribution to Darjeeling. We as a
family decided to let out the hotel so that people, some of whom are
coming following medical treatment, can have a comfortable stay,” said
Tshering who is also the president of the Darjeeling Hotel Owners’
Association.

Tshering, however, said he had taken the decision in his individual capacity.

Tshering’s hotel, Sanderling, has 40 rooms. The other hotel has 38 rooms.

https://www.telegraphindia.com

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The novel coronavirus has changed Chowrasta.
The most famous square in Darjeeling wore a new look on Tuesday morning after the administration decided to remove all benches.